How to Obtain a Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital) in Spain – A Complete Guide for Expats (2025)

If you’re an expat living in Spain, a Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital) is one of the most valuable tools you can have. It allows you to access Spanish government services online, including tax declarations, healthcare registration, social security procedures, and residency applications—without the need for in-person visits.

At 247 Expat Insurance, we help expats, remote workers, and property owners in Spain handle essential paperwork with ease. This guide walks you through what a digital certificate is, who needs it, and how to obtain it step by step.

What is a Digital Certificate?

A Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital) is an electronic form of identification issued by the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) that enables individuals and businesses in Spain to safely manage official procedures online.

• Acts as a secure digital ID
• Stored on your computer or browser
• Used for legal, financial, and government-related services

💡 A digital certificate is a must-have for expats who want to manage their affairs in Spain efficiently without dealing with excessive paperwork!

Who Needs a Digital Certificate?

A digital certificate is essential for:

• Expats living in Spain who need to submit tax returns, renew residency, or access social security
• Self-employed individuals (Autónomos) handling invoices and tax payments
• Property owners managing IBI tax, utility bills, and legal documentation
• Non-residents conducting official transactions or maintaining property in Spain
• Business owners filing documents or conducting digital transactions

💡 If you live in Spain or own property here, a digital certificate makes handling paperwork much easier!

Why Expats in Spain Should Get a Digital Certificate

With a Digital Certificate, you can:

• File tax returns (e.g., Modelo 100, Modelo 210, VAT declarations)
• Access Spanish healthcare and social security benefits
• Apply for visas, residency permits, and NIE numbers
• Request official documents (e.g., empadronamiento, criminal record certificates)
• Manage driving licenses, vehicle ownership, and fines (DGT - Dirección General de Tráfico)
• Submit legal documents and business filings digitally

💡 247 Expat Insurance is here to assist expats in Spain with insurance and essential administrative processes to make your life abroad stress-free!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Obtain a Digital Certificate

Step 1 – Apply for Your Digital Certificate Online

1. Visit the FNMT website: https://www.sede.fnmt.gob.es/
2. Select “Obtener Certificado Digital” (Get a Digital Certificate)
3. Choose your certificate type (personal, company, or non-resident)
4. Fill in your details, including NIE/DNI, full name, and email address
5. Save the application code you receive via email

Step 2 – Verify Your Identity at an Official Office

To complete the process, you must verify your identity in person at an official government office. Bring your application code, passport/NIE/DNI to:

🏛️ Agencia Tributaria (Tax Office)

🏢 Seguridad Social (Social Security Office)

🏡 Your local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall)

💡 If you’re unsure where to go, 247 Expat Insurance can guide you in finding the nearest verification center!

Step 3 – Download & Install Your Digital Certificate

1. Return to the FNMT website and enter your application code
2. Download your digital certificate
3. Install it on your browser (Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox recommended)

💡 Once installed, you can start using your certificate for official procedures online!

Using Your Digital Certificate

Once your digital certificate is installed, you can use it for:

• Submitting tax and social security documents online
• Managing residency and visa applications
• Registering for healthcare and social security benefits
• Signing contracts and legal documents digitally
• Handling business and autónomo filings

💡 Expats with a digital certificate can manage their affairs in Spain much more efficiently—without waiting in long lines at government offices!

FAQs About Digital Certificates in Spain

1. Can non-residents apply for a digital certificate?

✔ Yes! Both residents and non-residents can obtain one.

2. How long does it take to get a digital certificate?

✔ The process typically takes a few days, depending on the verification appointment availability.

3. Does my digital certificate expire?

✔ Yes, it’s valid for 4 years and must be renewed before expiration.

4. Can I install my digital certificate on multiple devices?

✔ No, but you can export and transfer it securely if needed.

5. What happens if I lose my digital certificate?

✔ You will need to reapply and go through verification again.

Need Help? Contact 247 Expat Insurance

At 247 Expat Insurance, we help expats and non-residents in Spain navigate essential bureaucratic processes, from insurance to residency applications.

💡 Need help securing insurance, residency, or digital services in Spain? We’re here to help!

Disclaimer

Regulations for Digital Certificates in Spain may change. Always check the official FNMT website or consult a professional before applying.